Center-Of-Innovation-Members

School-age children have a new place to explore science, technology, engineering and math with hands-on activities in West Oʻahu at the Center of Innovation, which recently opened at the Hale Pono ʻEwa Beach Clubhouse. It is the first of its kind in Hawaiʻi and the only one in the United States to be open to the public. We asked the organizers for details, and here’s what we learned:

For what ages is the Center of Innovation recommended?

It’s open to keiki 6 to 18 years old but is ideal for children 10 to 17 years old.

How much does it cost?

You need to be a Boys & Girls Club Hawaiʻi member to use the center. Membership costs $25 per year per child. You can sign up at the center or bring proof of membership.

What are the operating hours?

Mondays through Fridays, 3 to 7 p.m. The center follows the Hawaiʻi public school calendar and is closed on days that schools are closed.

What activities can children and teens take part in?

There are various DIY STEM projects. These include:

• A catapult-building exercise. Children use colorful sticks, bottle caps and rubber bands to launch tissue paper projectiles as they learn about engineering concepts such as force, accuracy, precision and angles.

• A “Mobile Nerds” program that teaches block coding using Scratch 2, a beginner-friendly platform.

• A three-dimensional printer for kids to explore their imagination through creative design.

What’s the most popular activity?

So far, coding through the “Mobile Nerds” program has been very popular. But the center will have more 3-D designs and will introduce more activities in the future.

How do kids experience the activities?

Kids are free to roam the center solo or in small groups. There will be no set time limits on activities. A full-time STEM expert will offer support, using real-world applications to help participants develop their STEM skills and critical thinking.

What’s unique about the center?

There are 12 other Centers of Innovation across the United States and in Germany, but this is the first and only one open to the public. The other centers are exclusively for children of military families.

Are there plans to open more Centers of Innovation in Hawaiʻi?

No, but the Boys & Girls Club of Hawaiʻi, with the support of defense company Raytheon, is scheduled to expand STEM programming to all of its locations in Hawaiʻi.